Holmberg, D.K [Book of Maladies 01] Wasting by D.K. Holmberg

Author:D.K. Holmberg
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: ASH Publishing
Published: 2018-01-01T16:00:00+00:00

15

A FATHER’S SECRET

The stink of ash and the mixture of burned leaves and oils filled Alec’s nostrils. He doubted too many others would understand what they smelled, but Alec recognized it. The smell was that of his failure, that of loss. The apothecary was gone, burned to the ground, and he didn’t understand why.

Dusk approached as he meandered along the streets. He passed shops with owners he knew, men and women who would offer their help, especially with as often as his father had helped them, but he didn’t want to do anything other than keep wandering. The more distance he could put between him and the shop, the easier it was for him to imagine it never happened.

But all he had to do was turn around, and he could still see the way the ash and smoke swirled into the sky. Alec tried not to think about the questions that came to mind, such as why they’d been targeted, or why the man had seemed so interested in his notes about Sam’s injuries, or why was it theirs was the only business that had burned? Those were questions without answers. Or maybe they had answers, but they weren’t the kind he wanted.

Someone touched his arm, and he spun, jerking his arm free in a panic.

Mrs. Rubbles stared at him, her sharp eyes seeming to take in the soot covering his face and clothes, and she nodded. “Come with me, then.”

She tugged on his shirt, not giving him any chance to object.

Alec went along with her willingly. Mrs. Rubbles had always been kind to him, and right now, he needed some kindness because he didn’t know what he would do otherwise.

She pulled him onto a side street leading behind her shop and then up a narrow flight of stairs to the top where she pushed open the door revealing a tidy home neatly decorated. A small fire burned softly in a corner hearth, sending waves of warmth into the room. A pair of formal chairs angled toward a lacquered table in the middle of the room. A tray of steaming meat rested on the table, with two plates set on either side.

“Sit. Eat.”

“Mrs. Rubbles—”

She shook her head and forced him into one of the chairs. “Sit, I said.” She waited until he did, and he found the chair surprisingly comfortable. Then she disappeared behind another doorway before reappearing with two finely painted ceramic cups. Mrs. Rubbles took a seat opposite him and handed him one of the cups. “What happened?”

Alec rubbed his eyes. How could he answer that question when he didn’t really know himself? “The shop burned,” he said. It was the only thing he could think of telling her.

“I saw that. I even went through there to see if there was anything I could help you save. There were a few items…” She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter now. What I don’t understand is how?”

Alec brought the cup of tea to his nose and inhaled. It smelled bitter and strong, the kind of tea that would wake him up, if that was what he wanted.

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